Commercial Vehicle Inspection Checklist

A commercial vehicle inspection checklist is used to make sure
there are no important safety checks missed when preforming a vehicle pre-trip
inspection.

The purpose of a vehicle pre-trip inspection is to make sure the
vehicle is safe to operate. Ensuring that your vehicle is safe to operate protects you
the driver, others and cargo.

Learning how to perform a proper commercial vehicle
inspection pre-trip is the most important step on your way to your new career
as a commercial driver. Remember, your safety and the safety of others on the
road is at stake.

You are inspecting your vehicle to make sure it is safe to
drive before you take your 40 ton rig out on the highway at 55 – 65 miles per
hour. You may have the safest driving practices on the road, but if your rig is
not safe to drive, you put yourself, others, your cargo, your rig, other
vehicles and property at risk. Be safe, study the vehicle inspection checklist as if your life and the life of others depended on
it.

Free Vehicle Inspection Checklist

I am posting this free commercial vehicle inspection checklist so that others may benefit from my many hours of research and study.

Before I got my Class A Commercial Driver's License, I was stuck
making minimum wage. I was making minimum wage for many years because I
had no special marketable skills. My future income
trajectory wasn't looking very promising.

I decided that the most suitable skill
for me was to learn to become a cross-country big rig truck driver. I couldn't afford
truck driving school on minimum wage, but I did qualify for a loan to go to school.
I couldn't afford to take a day off work, so I found a truck driving school
that had classes available on the weekends. Six to eight weeks later, I had my Class A
Commercial Driver's License. I got a job right out of school. From that day on, I doubled my
income every year after that, for the next four years.

Today I make more money
than most four-year college grads. Plus, I have better prospects for always
finding work. I am only pointing this out because as for money making ideas,
getting a Class A Commercial Driver's License and becoming a truck driver is a good job with a great future for both men
and women alike. Plus, you get paid to travel.

OK, so what does this have to do with the commercial vehicle
inspection checklist? When I went to truck driving school, I was only briefly taught
about the CDL pre-trip inspection checklist procedure. Since then, requirements for a CDL have gotten stricter. Before I got my current job, I had to research, study and perform a commercial vehicle inspection. The main
reference I used for my CDL pre-trip inspection checklist is the "Commercial Driver's
Handbook", which can be found at your local DMV, Department of Motor Vehicle. Unfortunately, I found the DMV
commercial vehicle inspection somewhat difficult to follow and learn.

Below is a very thorough,
free commercial vehicle inspection checklist that will help you make sure that there are no important safety checks missed when preforming your vehicle inspection.

Follow your CDL vehicle inspection checklist the same way each
time so you will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something.

Do not risk your life or the life of another in an unsafe vehicle.

(Note, the commercial vehicle inspection checklist is also known as the Commercial Driver's License pre-trip inspection or CDL vehicle inspection checklist and CDL pre-trip inspection checklist.)

Pre-trip Inspection - Tools: (flashlight, gloves, tire bubby)

Your States’ examiner may require a slightly different inspection checklist.

A Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist includes:

Approach:

Look for any hazards to vehicle movement such as
pedestrians, animals, low hanging wires, tree limbs, other vehicles, building
structures or other objects.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist:- Tractor Cab -

Check your vehicle's
service due date.

Ensure
the safety handle is secure and steps are clear of debris before your three-point entry into the cab.

Ensure
brakes are set.

Review
last vehicle inspection report. Make sure any safety issue write-ups are
repaired and signed off by the maintenance mechanics. (Inspect any repairs done during pre-trip.) Sign the previous Driver’s
report if defects have been verified as repaired.

Check the service
date. The extinguisher is good for 1 year of service after the last service
date.

Ensure the correct
extinguisher is issued (10-BC).

Turn the high beam headlights and left
blinker on. (If it is dark use the light reflection to
check brake lights, blinkers, high and low beams)

Take
key and exit using a 3-point contact.

Take
gloves, tire buddy and flashlight.

The Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Exam requires you
to point out vehicle components as you are performing your vehicle inspection and explain what you are checking and why to the
examiner. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of your vehicle’s
components and check your ability to know if the components meet safety
standards. The vehicle inspection test includes an under the hood engine
compartment inspection. Again, explain what you are looking
for and why. A driver is not required to crawl under the vehicle during the
test.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist - "Walk-Around":

Lights:

Ensure head lights, blinkers, marker lights and clearance lights are clean, secure, working and correct color.

Cancel blinkers. Turn off lights. Pull the trolley brake down to check the brake lights. Use the foot pedal if you have a helper to check the light for you.

Release trolley brake lever and turn flashers on to ensure they work front and back.

Clean lights and reflectors during pre-trip as needed.

Ensure parking lights come on with headlights

Checks of brake, turn signals and 4-way flasher functions must be done separately.

Air Dryer: Ensure the air
dryer is secure with no damages and no missing bolts.

Air Tanks:
Ensure the air tanks are secure with no damages and no missing bolts. Drain the
air tanks “sludge” daily.

Exhaust pipe:

Ensure exhaust pipe
is present and secure with no damages, no missing mounting brackets, clamps or
bolts and no signs of leaks. (Leaks would show black soot at leak point.) (A
broken exhaust system can let poisonous fumes into the vehicle.)

Ensure there is no
wires, fuel or airlines touching the exhaust.

Ensure there is no
excessive smoke.

Seats:

Seats should be in
good condition.

Ensure seat
mountings are secure with no missing or loose bolts.

Ensure seat belts
are in good condition, secure with no missing or loose bolts.

Ensure buckles are
secure, not damaged and working.

Foot Controls: Ensure foot controls are clear of oil or grease with no
loose items that can interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.

Vehicle Inspection
Checklist - in CAB:Make a 3-point entry into cab.

Adjust Seat.

Ensure mirrors are adjusted for clear visibility.

Start Engine. Listen
for any unusual noises.

ABS light. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS
brakes ensure ABS light comes on and
turns off when the engine starts. The ABS light coming on and then turning off
indicates that the ABS braking system is working. If the ABS light stays on, or
doesn’t come on, something is wrong with the ABS braking system. (ABS
(Anti-lock braking system) is an automated braking system that prevents the
wheels from locking up (ceasing rotation) and avoiding uncontrolled skidding.
ABS generally offers improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distances
on dry and slippery surfaces.)

Gauges:

While air pressure
is building check gauges.

ENSURE OIL PRESSURE
IS CLIMBING and that the oil pressure warning light goes off. (Oil pressure
should build to the normal operating range within seconds of starting the
engine.)

Coolant temperature
should begin to climb.

Check fuel level,
voltmeter charge and air psi.

Check dash
indicator lights (4-ways, high and low beam, blinkers).

ENSURE THE WHEELS ARE CHOCKED.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist - Air Brake Tests:

Governor Cut Out Test:

With engine running, check the air pressure
gauge.

If the air psi is not rising, pump the foot
pedal gradually until the “governor cuts in” and air psi starts to rise.

Watch for what psi the air pressure stops
building. The maximum “Governor Cut Out”
is 130 psi. (State what psi the air pressure stopped rising to the
Examiner.) The Safety valve release
is set at 150 psi. (If the safety valve releases air, something is wrong with
the brake system.)

Governor Cut-In Test:

Check the “Governor
Cut-In” by pumping service brake with engine running.

Governor should not
“Cut-In”, indicated by pressure starting to build, any lower than 85 psi. (If
psi is already climbing, then the governor is already pumping. You cannot check
the “Governor Cut-In” until the governor has first “Cut-Out”, as indicated by
psi stopped rising.

Rate of Air Pressure Build-Up Test:

Psi rate should
build 15 psi, example from 85 to 100 psi, within 45 seconds with the engine at normal
operating RPMs in dual air systems. (If the air pressure does not build up fast
enough, the pressure may drop too low during driving, requiring an emergency
stop.)

Brake Leakage Rate: - Static Test:

Ensure the air system
is basically fully charged.

Ensure wheels are
chocked.

Release the parking
brake.

After the air
pressure gauge needle settles, note the air psi.

Start timing for
one minute.

State the psi drop
rate to the examiner, if any. State the maximum psi drop rate to the examiner. The
psi should not drop more than 2 psi in one minute with a single vehicle. (An air loss greater than those shown indicate
a problem in the braking system and repairs are needed before operating the
vehicle.)

Brake Leakage Rate:- Applied Test

Firmly depress
service brake pedal.

After the air
pressure settles, note the air psi.

Start timing for
one minute.

State the psi drop
rate to the examiner, if any. State the maximum psi drop rate to the examiner. The
psi should not drop more than 3 psi in one minute with a single vehicle.

Low Air Warning Test:

Turn the ignition
switch to the “on” position without starting the engine.

Pump the brake
pedal until the low air warning signal comes on. The low air warning signal should
activate between the ranges of 55 to 75.

State what psi the low
air warning signal comes on.

Tractor Emergency Brake System Test:

Ensure the parking
brake is released, wheels are chocked and engine is off.

Pump the brake
pedal to reduce the air tank pressure until the air supply valve/yellow knob
pops out. (You are checking to ensure the spring brakes come on automatically.)

Note what psi the
emergency brake knob popped out. State what psi the emergency brake knob popped
out to the Examiner. The emergency brake knob should pop-out in the range of 20
to 45 psi. State the emergency brake pop-out range to the Examiner.

CHECK
THESE ITEMS WHILE PRESSURE IS BUILDING:

Ensure windshield has good visibility with no cracks,
and no unauthorized stickers. Ensure dash is clear of obstructions. Ensure
washer and wipers are working.

Ensure sun visors are present, secure and working.

Ensure defroster and heater are working.

Ensure mirrors are clean and adjusted properly.

Check fuel level, voltmeter charge and air psi.

Check dash indicator lights (4-ways, high and low beam,
blinkers).

Check steering wheel free play. Steering wheel should
have no more than ten percent wheel play before wheels starts to move. That is
no more than 2” on a 20” wheel. (Power steering needs to be checked with the
engine running.)

Check electrical and air horns.

Ensure the seat belts are secure and fasteners work.
Checks to see that the seat cushion and seat mounts are secure.

Ensure rear window is clean.

Check dome light.

Cab space should be clean. Secure all loose articles in
the cab that might interfere with the safe operation of the controls or be a
hazard in an accident.

Ensure shifting column is secure.

Check for accident kit.

Make a 3-point cab exit.

(REMOVE CHOCKS)

TRACTOR SERVICE BRAKE TEST:

Ensure
chocks are removed.

Put your seat belt
on.

Wait for normal air
pressure operating range.

Ensure it is safe
to move vehicle. (State if it is safe to move the vehicle to the Examiner.)

Pull tractor
forward about 5 mph.

Press the service
brake pedal firmly and note if there is any unusual feel, brake pedal sticking,
delayed stopping or pulling to one side.

TRACTOR PARKING BRAKE TEST:

Ensure your seat belt
on.

Slowly move
forward and apply the parking brake.

Pull against
parking brake to ensure brakes are properly adjusted and applied.

Cut engine off.
Take keys.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist:Trailer Hook-Up -

Tools needed: gloves, flashlight and tire buddy.

Chock
Trailer Wheels: Why Chock Trailer Wheels?Because if the brakes are out of adjustment, when you
tap the trailer with the tractor, the trailer could move or roll and hit
something. Even if trailer is equipped with spring brakes, the spring brakes
would not work to the degree that the trailer brakes are out of adjustment.

Look for any hazards to vehicle movement such as
pedestrians, low hanging wires, tree limbs, other vehicles or objects.

Check the overall vehicle condition.

Note if the vehicle is leaning.

Check trip manifests to ensure you have the correct
trailer.

Check the trailer service due date.

Ensure glad hands are not damaged. Ensure glad hand
hoses are secured and not cut.

Ensure grommets are present secure, not worn, torn or
cracking.

Ensure electrical receptacles are clear of debris and
points not bent.

Ensure king pin is not bent. Check king pin shank and
head for cracks, wear or chips.

Check glide plate for damage or wear.

Check landing gear and landing pad for damages and
loose or missing nuts or bolts.

Check to ensure the nut and bolt on the crank handle is secure.

Trailer Chassis:

Ensure
there is no damage to the tractor chassis/frame or cross members or floor
boards.

Check
frame brackets, axles, axle seats, anchor plates and clamp bolts to ensure
there are no damages and no missing, broken or cracked parts.

Ensure
there are no missing or loose bolts or nuts and no broken or cracked welds.

Ensure
there are no loose or hanging hoses, electrical wiring or foreign objects.

Ensure sidewall DOT reflective tape is present and in
good condition.

Tandems/Duals:

Tandem/Dual
tread should be a minimum if 2/32.

Duals
should have no uneven or excessive wear spots, no foreign objects in or between
duals.

Ensure
brake chambers are secure, not leaking, cracked or dented with all nuts, bolts
and cotter pins in place and secure.

Ensure
brake hose connections are secure and brake hoses are not cracked, cut, worn or
rubbing and have no signs of leaking.

Trailer Rear:

Look
for any hazards to vehicle movement such as pedestrians, low hanging wires,
tree limbs, other vehicles or objects.

Ensure
bumperis secure and not damaged.

Ensure
license plate is present, clean and secure with a working plate light.

Check
tail lights, running lights and marker lights.

Ensure
cargo is secure.

Ensure
you have the correct cargo for the trailer with the first stop loaded last.

Ensure
cargo door is locked and door has no damages.

Check
cables for frays or brakes.

Ensure
the lift gate is working and all bolts are present and secure.

Ensure
mud flaps are present, secure and not damaged.

Ensure
Trailer Hub odometer, if equipped, is not damaged.

Check
condition of tandems.

Check
outside trailer wall, frame and floor.

Check
condition of side door, if any, and ensure door is locked.

Trailer
Hook-Up Procedure:

ENSURE TRAILER
WHEELS ARE CHOCKED.

Make a 3-point
entry into the cab.

Start truck engine.

Ensure lights and
flashers are turned on.

Put seat belt on.

State if it is safe
to move the vehicle.

Honk before
backing.

Back to the trailer
until the fifth wheel just touches the trailer. Do not “hit” the trailer. (The
trailer height should be slightly lower than the center of the fifth-wheel so
the trailer is raised slightly when the tractor is pushed under it. Raise or
lower the trailer landing gear as needed.)

STOP.

Set the tractor
parking brake.

Put the
transmission in neutral.

Take the tractor
key.

Make a three-point
tractor exit.

Check the trailer
height to the fifth wheel.

Check the king pin
alignment to the fifth wheel.

Charging Trailer Brake System:

Check trailer glad
hands and grommets for damage.

Connect the air lines.
Ensure air lines are properly secured.

Connect electrical lines. Ensure they are
firmly plugged in and secured.

Make sure the air
and electrical lines are safely supported where they won’t be crushed or caught
while the tractor is backing under the trailer.

Return to tractor
cab.

Push the trailer air
supply knob (red knob ONLY) to supply air to the trailer brake system.

Build the air up to
governor operating range of 85 to 130 psi.

Turn the engine off.

Pull down the
trolley brake and release to listen for the trailer brakes setting up and
releasing.

Listen for air
leaks.

SET THE TRAILER
BRAKES with the red knob.

Tractor to Trailer coupling:

Put seat belt on.

State if it is safe
to move the vehicle.

Honk before
backing.

Release TRACTOR PARKING BRAKE ONLY.

Ensure the trailer
brakes are still set up.

Complete backing
under trailer. Watch to see that the airlines do not get pinched. Do not “hit”
the trailer.

When connected, tug
against the trailer to ensure the fifth wheel jaws are locked firmly around
trailer king pin.

Set the tractor
parking brakes.

Put the
transmission in neutral.

Turn the engine
off.

Turn lights and
flashers on.

Make a 3-point
exit. (Take flash light and gloves).

Use flashlight to
visually ensure the fifth wheel locking jaws are locked around the shank of the
king pin, and not the head of the kingpin.

Ensure there is no
space between the fifth wheel and the trailer glide plate.

Ensure that the release
arm is securely seated in the lock position and safety latch is engaged.

Crank the trailer
landing gear all the way up and secure the crank handle.

Ensure that there
is plenty of clearance between the tractor frame and trailer landing supports.

Ensure there is
plenty of clearance between the top of the tractor tires and the nose of the
trailer.

Ensure mud flaps
cannot get pinched between tandems and landing supports during turns.

Ensure fifth wheel
slide pins are locked in place, if equipped.

Ensure the air or
electrical lines are supported and cannot hit or get snagged on any moving
parts. Ensure the air and electrical lines are long enough so they do not get damaged
of disconnected during turns.

Check trailer brake
lights and left blinker. (Blinker lights should be red, yellow or amber.)

Set the tractor and
trailer breaks and release the trolley brake.

Put right blinker on
and check right blinker lights. (Lights should be red.)

Reenter cab, turn
lights and flashers on.

Check trailer
taillights, marker lights and flashers.

Tractor/Trailer
Static Brake Test:

Ensure
wheels are chocked.

Release
the parking brake.

Start
the engine and recharge the brake system if needed.

Cut the engine off.

After
the air pressure settles, note the air psi.

Start
timing. The psi should not drop more than (3) psi in one minute with the tractor and trailer.

State
the psi drop rate to examiner, if any.

Tractor/Trailer Applied Brake Test:

Firmly
depress service brake.

After
the air pressure settles, note the air psi.

Start
timing. The psi should not drop more than (4) psi in one minute with the tractor and trailer.

Check Tractor Protection Valve Test:

Ensure the tractor/trailer braking system is charged.

Cut engine off.

Release the trailer parking brake (push the red air supply knob in).

Step on and off the brake pedal to reduce the air pressure in the tanks.

The “tractor protection valve” also called the trailer air supply control should pop out in the range of 20 to 45 psi.

Note what psi the tractor protection valve knob popped out. State what psi the tractor protection valve knob popped out to the Examiner. The tractor protection valve knob should pop-out in the range of 20 to 45 psi. State the emergency brake pop-out range to the Examiner. (If the tractor protection valve does not work properly, an air hose leak could drain all the air from the tractor. This would cause the emergency brakes to come on, with possible loss of control.)

Trailer Service Brake System Test:

Remove chocks.

Put seat belt on.

Ensure it is safe
to move vehicle. (State if it is safe to move the vehicle to the Examiner.)

Pull vehicle
forward about 5 mph.

Pull trailer hand
brake/trolley brake down to ensure the trailer service brakes set up and hold.
(This tells you the trailer brakes are connected and working.)

Trailer Emergency/Parking Brake Test:

Ensure chocks are removed.

Put seat belt on.

Ensure it is safe
to move vehicle. (State if it is safe to move the vehicle to the Examiner.)

Pull forward to
ensure the vehicle rolls freely.

Stop. Pull out the
trailer air supply, red knob. (Set the trailer emergency/parking brakes only.)
(Do not set the tractor parking brakes.)

Tug on the trailer
to ensure that the trailer emergency/parking brakes set up.

Disconnecting Trailer:

Park only where
ground is hard enough to support trailer weight.

Set the trailer
parking brakes.

Release the tractor
parking brake.

Put transmission in
reverse just enough to ease the pressure on the locking jaws.

Set the tractor
parking brakes while the tractor is pushing against the trailer kingpin.

Make a 3-point
exit.

Lower landing gear
until it makes firm contact with the ground.

Disconnect and secure
air and electrical lines. Ensure they are safely stored so they don’t get
damaged while driving.

Release the fifth
wheel lock.

Chock the trailer.

Return to tractor.

Put the seat belt
on.

Ensure it is safe
to move vehicle. (State if it is safe to move the vehicle to the Examiner.)

Pull tractor
forward until the fifth wheel comes out from under the trailer. Ensure the
trailer landing gear and ground are supporting trailer. If in doubt, make a
3-point exit and visibly check to ensure surface is holding weight. (Keep in
mind dirt lots turn to mud when wet and may not support weight.)

Pull away from
trailer.

Put the
transmission in neutral.

Set the tractor
parking brake.

Cut engine off.

Turn lights off.

Remove keys.

Lock the doors.

Published on Nov 3, 2014

This is Jeff from the Apex CDL Institute demonstrating how
to perform a Class A CDL pre-trip inspection on a tractor trailer
(Commercial Vehicle). The commercial vehicle inspection checklist demonstrated
here is as thorough a vehicle inspection I have seen. I highly recommend
reviewing Jeff’s vehicle inspection video many times as you prepare
for your vehicle inspection exam.

All commercial vehicle drivers must perform a comprehensive
vehicle pre-trip inspection according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (49 CFR, Part 396.13). The commercial vehicle inspection checklist found
in your States "Commercial Driver's Handbook", from your local DMV (Department
of Motor Vehicle) is a comprehensive vehicle inspection aide to ensure there
are no safety checks missed while preforming your vehicle pre-trip inspection.

A commercial vehicle pre-trip inspection is intended to
increase safety for everyone on the road, including the driver and other
motorists. Items included on a commercial vehicle checklist are what the
Department of Transportation inspects at weigh stations and safety checkpoints.
Preforming a thorough vehicle pre-trip inspection before you begin your journey
is a safeguard against possible penalties from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA) or down time from being placed out of service.

By inspecting your vehicle thoroughly before you head out on
highway, you can also prevent more costly repairs and keep your vehicle
rolling.

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that his/her
vehicle is safe to operate.

The use of a vehicle inspection checklist also serves as a preventative action against more serious breakdowns or accidents.

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Commercial Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Beyond Your Commercial Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Learn to drive trucks and get your commercial license the
right way by attending a state licensed truck driving school that has a good
job placement reputation.

Accredited truck driving schools offer easy-to-understand
classroom and on-the-road training for men and women who are interested in earning
or renewing their Class A, B, and/or C CDLs.

Truck driving schools can help you
get the education, training, and experience you need to break into the trucking
and transportation industry. Begin your journey today in the transportation industry
where your options are limitless.

Get matched to CDL Driving Schools near you!

Some companies provide on the job training with no experience needed and job placement programs

Many truck driving schools provide ongoing job
placement assistance.

Even after we do a thorough pre-trip inspection, we may still have an occasional driving infraction with legal entanglements.

You know how stressful a legal entanglement can be, whether
it's a pre-existing traffic violation or a serious traffic violation. The
attorneys at TVC Pro-Driver, Inc. specialize in handling traffic violations of
their clients ethically and competently through the court of original
jurisdiction.

You take a tremendous
risk if you don't have solid legal counsel and representation at your side. Let
TVC Pro-Driver, Inc. be your representation for all your moving and non-moving
violations. Use the Company Professional Drivers Use!

We create who we are in this life through a progression of decisions. We created the person that we are today from the decisions that we made in the past. We are creating the person that we will be tomorrow by the decisions that we make today. (Marvin L. Nelson)